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Construction electricians install, maintain and repair electrical equipment, fixtures and wiring in industrial, commercial and residential buildings. You will work on a variety of systems, including HVAC, fire alarm, sprinkler and uninterrupted power supply. You’ll install electrical panels, conduit, wire, devices, lighting, data lines and solar power systems. There are many benefits to becoming a construction electrician, including great wages and working with your hands in an ever-changing and diverse work environment – as technology changes, so does the electrical field. 

  • Earn up to $35 an hour in the Construction Electrical field. 
  • Nearly 9,000 hours of combined on-the-job and in-the-classroom training provides a solid foundation for your construction electrical career. 
  • Begin a rewarding career with no student debt – in fact, you’ll get paid to attend classes!
  • Get hands-on training reading blueprints and installing lighting, heating and cooling materials. 

Qualifications

You must be physically able to perform the job, which includes working from heights or in cramped quarters. Union requirements specify that you must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or equivalent with one year of high school algebra. You must pass an aptitude test, personal interview and submit an application. 

Get started as a Construction Electrical Apprentice

  1. Go to your local Joint Apprenticeship Committee and fill out an application (you do not need to be a resident of the county you apply to): 
    Kenosha Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Committee
    IBEW Local #127 
    3030 39th Avenue
    Kenosha, WI 53144
    262-654-0912
     
    Racine Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Committee
    IBEW Local #430
    1840 Sycamore Avenue
    Racine, WI 53406
    262-633-2844
  2. Send your high school transcripts and post-secondary transcripts (if minimum math documentation is listed elsewhere) showing one full year of high school algebra (or equivalent) with a passing grade of “C” to your local Union Hall. If you need to complete coursework, please register for Gateway’s 804-370 Mathematics I/Applied two-credit course.
  3. Pass the basic reading, writing and math test required per application. Testing information is available at Union Hall. 
  4. The Joint Apprenticeship Committee will set up interviews for candidates that have passed the test and have high school transcripts on file. Interviews are scheduled twice a year in Racine and Kenosha. 
  5. After being interviewed, your name will be ranked with the other eligible candidates. Apprenticeships are offered by the Union in order to the highest-ranked candidates on the list. 
  6. Once hired by a contractor, Gateway’s Apprenticeship Department will be notified that you are an apprentice and they will communicate with you regarding registration, classes and books.

If you need assistance getting started, Gateway’s Apprenticeship Department is happy to help.

Curriculum Sheet:
pdf icon  50-413-2 Construction Electrical Apprentice Curriculum Sheet.pdf

Career Pathway Map:
pdf icon  Construction Electrical Apprentice Career Pathway Map.pdf